As part of our ongoing AirTags FAQ Series, and following our post detailing Which iPhones are Compatible with AirTags, today we turn our attention to Apple Watches. Which Apple Watches are compatible with Apple’s new AirTag trackers?
AirTag’s “secret sauce” is the U1 ultra-wideband chip, which powers AirTag’s ability to ping an iPhone or Apple Watch with their precise location – with accuracy to within 30cm (1 foot).
Apple first included the U1 ultra-wideband chip in its iPhone 11 release but subsequently included it in the Apple Watch as well, future-proofing them to ensure AirTags compatibility.
Apple began including the U1 ultra-wideband chip in the Apple Watch Series 6, but importantly, it is not included in the lower-priced Apple Watch SE nor is it included in the even-lower-priced (and somehow still-for-sale) Apple Watch Series 3.
Bottom line is: though it is still a Rumor, we expect the Apple Watch will ultimately be AirTag compatible. So if you want to ensure your Apple Watch is compatible with AirTags, get the Apple Watch Series 6 – as it’s currently the only model that includes the U1 ultra-wideband location chip.
